February 2010 was a magical time in Vancouver. The weather, the people, the parties, and Olympic spirit infected us all. Armchair coaches haunted every big screen corner and everyone had a “story” to tell.
Kevin Jagger was no exception. Having played football at McGill, Kevin had a career in Investment Banking before leaving to help build a small media company. He had watched some of his former teammates who had been drafted to play pro ball, and all that infectious energy infected Kevin too.
For him, it was a re-connection with his love of sports….something the corporate life had dulled. He was at an all-time high weight and an all-time low fitness level, when he realized he wanted to do something extraordinary.
Coming from a business-planning background, he took a pragmatic approach to this new idea, too. He would need access to facilities, training and support. He evaluated his physical capabilities and the requirements of a variety of sports. In his search, he found long track speed skating.
Picture this: At the time, Kevin was carrying 220 pounds on his 6 foot 1 inch frame. He had not been on skates since he was about 12 years old, and these new skates were like nothing he had worn before! It is rare for a 26 year old to get started in speed skating – or any other Olympic pursuit, I should think – but he was not to be deterred. All this probably sounds a little far fetched, but in meeting Kevin and talking with him, his energy, commitment and sheer joy in his dream are simply impossible to deny. He is living an altered existence, building a whole new life.
With all the hours this takes, he now works on his sport full time. He bikes everywhere, eats differently, is dropping weight dramatically (30 pounds and counting), and is working hard for his next big test.
He has incredible buy-in from his family, girlfriend and friends. His brothers support and sponsor him in different ways and he has also made some incredible connections in the elite speedskating world.
• Catriona LeMay’s sister is a coach, who took the time to talk with him
• Nancy Goplen, the Team BC Amateur Coach, invited him to a 2 day camp (him and a bunch of 12-year-old junior girls = check your ego at the door!), which helped him evaluate his strengths and areas for work
• Joanna Russell engineered a workout with a recently retired member of the Canadian National Speed Skating team
• That brought former Olympian Brock Miron into Kevin’s life and training schedule. Having battled back from severe injuries in his own career, Brock understands the total-body approach to training for this very specific sport. Kevin’s life has changed.
• Brock introduced him toJeremy Wotherspoon (500m World Record Holder), and now Kevin will be able to to tap into Jeremy’s braintrust of knowledge and experience while training in Calgary ( home to the fastest speed skating ice in Canada).
This week in Calgary will be his first time on an actual speed skating oval! Brock thinks he has a chance of success – Kevin is willing to do the rest.
Let Kevin share his Calgary experience at http://www.longtracklongshot.com.
Remember this: Speedskating is the world's fastest human-powered sport. Would you dare?
In our most recent poll on this and the Blenz Community site we asked our readers “Do you think the Paralympic Games should be held at the same time as the Olympic Games?” The results are in: Yes 63% versus No 37%. Interesting!
Paralympic Symbol
Almost two thirds of voters think these largest sports competitions for people with the highest athletic ability belong together. The name "Paralympics" actually supports that point of view: "Paralympics" has its roots in the Greek prefix "para-" (in this context, "beside" or "alongside"); hence "Paralympics" translates into "alongside the Olympics", and may also be interpreted as "Parallel Olympics".
The New Zealand Winter Games in August 2009 embraced the concept of “Parallel Athletic Competition” by mixing the timetables for able-bodied and disabled athletes. They were the first major event where adaptive athletes competed on the same course on the same day as able-bodied athletes. So the idea of athletic inclusion has already been realised on a smaller scale. Why not take it to the next level?
Olympic Flag
Benefits of holding the Olympics and Paralympics at the same time could be amongst others:
Greater momentum for these two events ultimately raising the profile of both competitions
Higher integration and overall efficiency in the areas of organisation, publicity and operations
Message of inclusiveness
I think that delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games in a combined event – we could call it “The Joint Games” – would pose an amazing opportunity. As in other cases, when two or more parties put their intentions and energies together, something much bigger is being born than the plain sum total of the individual components.
Can you imagine the degree of inspiration able-bodied and disabled athletes could draw from each other and share with the world? And how about stretching the imagination even further to the possibility of disabled athletes competing with able-bodied athletes, at least in a few disciplines? Is that a possibility for the future?
Looking at our world, it’s time for more inclusion and less separation on a larger scale. One joint showcase for the athletic values of hope, excellence, respect, harmony, friendship and equality would be a milestone in human history. Combining the Olympic motto ‘Faster – Higher – Stronger’ with the Paralympic ‘Spirit in Motion’ would establish a solid foundation for athletic excellence, global connection and human inspiration beyond anything known before. People seem to be ready for it.
So which host city will be the first one to dare and hold “The Joint Games”?
Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. One of her specialities is the work with female entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel
Last week we ran a poll at MetroBlenzNewsSquad.com and at BlenzCommunity.com "Who do you think is Canada’s star of the 2010 Winter Games?" and the results are in!
The people have spoken and the most popular choices are in the following order (#1 being most popular):
Sidney Crosby voted as top Canadian star (photo by S. Yume licensed under the Creative Commons)
Sidney Crosby – scores winning goal in men’s hockey giving Canada the most gold medals in history of Winter Games
Joannie Rochette – wins bronze days after her mother’s death
Maelle Ricker - 1st woman to win gold
Alexandre Bilodeau - 1st to win gold on home soil
People were also given the opportunity to pick their own favorites. Another popular choice included Tessa Virtue who secured a gold medal finish in ice dancing with her partner Scott Moir. Other notables included Jasey Jay Anderson who won gold at the men’s parallel giant slalom event, the Women's Hockey team for their on ice celebrations (described by one poll taker as "so very Canadian") and even Olympic Mascot Mukmuk!
I'm not surprised Sidney Crosby was first choice given Canada's love-affair with hockey. Personally, I thought it was really tough to pick one star. The Canadian athletes together were phenomenal and really demonstrated great sportsmanship and of course huge success.
One could argue though that the real star was Canadians as a whole who rallied together in never-seen-before national pride. I can still hear the chants in my head... "Go Canada Go!..."
Cybele Negris is Co-Founder of Webnames.ca, Canada’s Original Domain Registrar. She is on the Boards of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Small Business BC, Government of BC Small Business Roundtable and the Vancouver Economic Development Commission. More information is available at cybele.tel or webnames.tel. Follow on Twitter @cybelenegris and @webnames
March 9, 2010 | Posted by Judy Bishop - The Travelling Eye
by Judy Bishop - The Travelling Eye
During the 2+ weeks of the Olympics, I shot alot of photos of people having a blast ... cutting loose ... letting their inner 8-year old out for a romp.
The equation was simple: take Whistler's general tendency for good times + the mad rush of Olympic revelry + international visitors = a potent mix of fun, frolic and some truly bitchin' attire.
The photos speak for themselves ... what a blast !
truly Canadian gal
Vancouver sun photographer, Mark van Manen, at work capturing the crowd
Judy is also managing partner of Bishop + Company, a 20-year old management consultancy providing corporate & market strategy for technology and growth companies. Contact info & story summary available. Follow Judy on Twitter @travellingeye. EM: judy@judybishop.ca
Tonight the power of the Olympics really hit home. And it hit me in a way that two weeks of non-stop athletic events, parties and happy streets could not have (although those ways hit me hard too, trust me). Tonight I met Sergey, a Moscovite working for a major international consulting firm. He’s been here in Vancouver since early February helping the Sochi group at Science World prepare to host the world at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
Sergey Sirotenko board member Big Brothers/Big Sisters Moscow and Rich Patterson board chair Big Brothers Greater Vancouver
Sergey is also part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in Moscow – his little brother is in an orphanage and statistics for orphans in Russia are scary. Sergey says after they are released from state care most orphans aren’t ready for the “real world” and don’t know how to socialize – so they end up in gangs, in trouble, on drugs and often dead. The Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentorship programme makes a big difference because it boosts self esteem, socialization, education and well-being.
As well as volunteering as a Big Brother, Sergey sits on the board of the Moscow Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. In his role as board member he decided to look up a counterpart in Vancouver and that’s how I met him.
We just had dinner tonight. It was amazing to compare stories on mentoring youth in our two very different cultures. They tend to focus on at-risk youth (in state care) while Vancouver’s Big Brothers programme is aimed at youth in one-parent homes (most likely without significant male role model). I won’t bore you with all the talk at dinner but we did delve into budgets, fundraising, staff, leadership and board strategy. It was really great to meet another board member from a brother organization halfway round the world. We agreed that using technology tools like Skype we would introduce our boards to each other and continue discussions in the months ahead.
I want to thank VANOC and the people of Vancouver for not only staging an excellent Olympic games (helluva party!) but also for making an opportunity for businesses and organizations from around the world to meet. We are all the better for it.
Rich Patterson, has a twenty years experience in Public Relations, Marketing & Sales. Rich owns a successful Licensing, Apparel & Promotional Product company and is partner in a social media consultancy based in Vancouver. Contact Rich at rich[at]pattersonbrands.com or follow twitter @pattersonbrands
It sure feels like the party is over. Back to work, no more noise and parties from the street calling me to ditch work and come play. On Saturday night, I went to Granville Island to meet some friends for dinner. In the end, they wanted to see a band and I didn't want to stand in line for 2 hours, so we went our separate ways. I went for dinner and got a seat at the bar at the Keg. I felt like I was in a episode of Cheers. All those who sat around me were local. I met Cheryl, a UBC professor and Carey Leanne who serves at the Sandbar and Reid who owns a lot of different night clubs and businesses. We had a great time chatting and getting to know each other. Generally I am a friendly person but because I thought the people around me were from out of town, I made more of an effort than usual to include them in conversation and welcome them. I started more conversations than I normally would and I had a much better time because of it. I am guessing that those with whom I chatted were also more open and friendly because of the situation. Like my bike riding around the city which will be a hold over from the Olympics, this too will be a hold over. I am going to continue to be more welcoming and engage people in conversation more often. You never know who you are going to meet!
Cari-Lee Stevens is a speaker, trainer and coach. She also owns CL Stevens Fitness Inc. a company that specializes in on-site corporate and community based fitness.
After all the buzzing excitement and fun we’ve had during the Olympics, Vancouver has come to a state of content exhaustion, just like nature after giving birth to a raging thunderstorm or a heavy rainfall. I personally feel this way, too: Calm and exhausted, yet utterly content for having been part of something meaningful that has provided joy and inspiration to so many people.
Do you feel a bit empty and abandoned, too? I sure do. Where is everybody? The city seems so empty. Many of the special venues and sites have been dismantled, and all our cheerful friends are gone. For all of us that are suffering from POA (post-Olympic abandonment) here is the good news: Apparently, we don’t have to wait very long before we will see more friendly guests here in Vancouver and Whistler who want to celebrate with us!
YVR Airport has already started to provide a warm welcome to the first Paralympic athletes, their officials and spectators. We are expecting approximately 1,350 athletes and officials from 40 countries and 44,000 spectators in Vancouver and Whistler to celebrate outstanding athletic achievements, true passion for sport, and the greatness of human spirit and all it makes possible.
Are you ready for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12-21? Today, three days after the Olympic Flame is extinguished in Vancouver, a new flame will light in Ottawa, sparking the official start and inspirational journey of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay. And in just 10 days, on March 12, her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will officially open the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games at BC Place in downtown Vancouver.
Now that we are on the radar of the world in such a positive light, can we prove that Canada is a country where the Paralympics are supported and celebrated as enthusiastically as their big brother, the Olympic Games? Do we have it in us to be ambassadors for the true meaning of the word “Paralympic”, which is “alongside the Olympics”?
I realise there will be less athletes and spectators, less entertainment, less disciplines for athletes to compete in etc. The Paralympics will run on a much smaller scale, at least on the outside. However, on the inside, where courage, determination, passion and persistence live, the Paralympics might actually outshine the Olympics when it comes to the extent of inspiration and valuable lessons they will offer to all that are open to see.
I challenge us to do our part and create a welcoming, joyful and supportive environment for all athletes and guests of our Paralympic Games. Don’t put those red clothes, the mittens and the Canada flags away quite yet. Let’s take some of that newly gained Canadian spirit and paint Vancouver and Whistler red again, and let’s have some more fun – we know how to do that now! Go Canada Go!
Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. One of her specialties is the work with female start-up and seasoned entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel
March 2, 2010 | Posted by Judy Bishop - The Travelling Eye
by Judy Bishop - The Travelling Eye
During the Olympics' 17 days, the Robson Square celebration site saw a staggering average of 75,000-100,000 daily visitors for concerts & entertainment, with approx 700 of them riding the zipline, 1,00o people skating, and 4,500 - 5,000 daily guests at the B.C. Pavilion and free admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery - daily.
Urban planners have long griped that Vancouver lacked a central gathering place, in the European style. I think the new and improved Robson Square may well serve as our downtown heart - especially if you throw in lasers, explosions and flamethrowers !
Given the smash success of this celebration site, the BC Government is wisely re-opening the Robson Square free celebrations - including fireworks, light show and the Zipline - for a second run, during the Paralympics, March 12th through 21st.
I was fortunate to gain access to the BC Pavillion's upper deck to shoot a spectacular collection of images over the 17 days of the Games ...
Judy is also managing partner of Bishop + Company, a 20-year old management consultancy providing corporate & market strategy for technology and growth companies. Contact info & story summary available. Follow Judy on Twitter @travellingeye
Well, the crowds have thinned, many of the event locations have been dismantled, and I haven't heard a "WOO-HOO!" or "LUUUUUUU!" for two days now. But the memories of the Vancouver Olympics - ah, those are forever burned in my heart and mind. I've never been so proud, so moved, so GRATEFUL to be a Canadian, to witness, to me at least, a coming-of-age of our national identity as a proud, beautiful, spirted, GREAT country.
It's impossible to list all of the wonderful memories I have from the Games, but here are some real highlights for me, in no particular order.
Clara Hughes' brilliant, stunning last race in her speedskating career - a bronze medal win that put her in the Olympics history books as the ONLY athlete ever to win multiple medals in both Summer and Winter Games. I'll never forget her smile.
Joanne Rochette's heart-breaking and brave performance in women's ice skating that earned her a spot on the podium and a place in every Canadian's heart. Her late mother was her guardian angel for sure.
The love and support shown Alexandre Bilodeau by his severely disabled brother as he STOOD without his wheelchair to watch him win our very first gold medal on Canadian soil. I bawled.
The unbridled joy of Jon Montgomery when he won gold in skeleton - and his walk to the podium as he chugged a pitcher of beer. I laughed out loud.
The love so evident between speedskaters Marianne St-Gelais and Charles Hamelin as they watched each other medal, laughed and cried for each other, and embraced as if the whole world wasn't watching. It gave me goosebumps and a lump in my throat.
k.d. laing singing Hallelujah during the Opening Ceremonies. Best. Performance. Ever.
People everywhere, every age and colour, breaking into O Canada and waving Canadian flags at every opportunity. Soul-stirring.
Heather Moyse, Kaillie Humphries, Helen Upperton and Shelley-Ann Brown ruling the bobsleigh track at breakneck speed with gold and silver medals - and making it look easy and graceful and FUN!
Gold in hockey for our men and women and gold and silver in curling - what more can I say? The ultimate high.
Finally, Vancouver - my new home, gorgeous, welcoming, vibrant - so deserving of your own gold medal. I love you!
Sadly, the games have ended. But our lasting images from the spectacular Olympics will definitely be the wonderful and safe partying that dominated Robson Street. These are a few of our favourites from Robson Street a few hours after the Canadian mens ice hockey won the gold medal.
In the eyes of most Canadians today, Canada truly does "own the podium". Fourteen gold medals; the most gold ever in a winter Olympics and the most gold ever won by a host country!
During one of the performances at the Olympics closing ceremonies, Comedian Catherine O'Hara poked fun at how Canadians say "sorry" alot. Well, let's not apologize for truly owning the gold! Yes, we have shown the world that a large country with diverse cultures and backgrounds can come together; whether it is on public transit or just out on the streets, singing the Canadian National Anthem. Yes, we have shown the world we can laugh at ourselves (nice touch by closing ceremonies producers playing off the opening ceremonies mechanical failure).
Now we can show the world Canada is at the top. Canada is the best. We are a nation of winners and "I believe..." this experience has transformed us forever!
Cybele Negris is Co-Founder of Webnames.ca, Canada’s Original Domain Registrar. She is on the Boards of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Small Business BC, Government of BC Small Business Roundtable and the Vancouver Economic Development Commission. More information is available at cybele.tel or webnames.tel. Follow on Twitter @cybelenegris and @webnames
I've often wondered if I could have been an Olympian.
When I started snowboarding in the 90s, I dreamt I would become a competitive snowboarder. I imagined racing down the slopes looking extremely cool in baggy clothes and a funky toque. Having been born in Singapore from parents holding a Malaysian passport, I strategized that if I were to represent Malaysia or Singapore, I would have a much higher chance of qualifying and competing in the Winter Olympics. I even had a ritual of giving my snowboard a kiss at the end of an exhausting but satisfying day riding 7th Heaven at Blackcomb!
A decade or two later, my snowboard sits in storage. Still a precious possession, it barely sees the slopes anymore. When Canadian Maelle Ricker won her gold medal in snowboard cross, I asked myself, could I have done that ?
So when I spent a day with Dr. JoAnn, world renown sports psychologist and performance coach, I had to ask this question, "Can anyone become a top athlete or Olympian?" This is her response:
Thanks Dr. JoAnn for your encouragment.
If you are like me, let's dust off our tennis racquet, snowboard, ice skates or... (you know what it is)... Let's get out there and find the athlete within us! Whether or not we end up competing in the Olympics, we will benefit from the exercise and live a life of fitness and health.
Remember this: Dimitrion Yordanidis finished a marathon in 7 hours and 33 minutes in Athens 1976. He was 98 years old! Consider his focus, determination, and mental toughness. What is your athletic dream ?
CS Ling is a humanitarian at heart. She is an alumnus of the prestigious Terry Fox Humanitarian Award and 2008 USANA Children Champion Award. CS is an occupational therapist and entrepreneur. Currently she offers her creative services to Boldfish Video Production as New Media Relations. Follow her on Twitter (@CS_Ling).
Greg Meeres owns Boldfish Video Production. He travels extensively coordinating, shooting and producing projects across planet earth. He can be reached at www.boldfish.ca
February 26, 2010 | Posted by Judy Bishop - The Travelling Eye
by Judy Bishop - The Travelling Eye
Humans are a predictable lot: we tend to put things off until the last minute. So, as FOMO ("fear of missing out") takes hold, people are dashing around making plans to cram in as much partying, events, pavilions, events and activity as they can before The Big Hangover takes over next week.
Visitors get lots of help negotiating Vancouver's attractions and finding out what's hot. Information kiosks abound, maps everywhere ... we've put on a pretty impressive show in terms of helping tourists. That's doubly important in Whistler, where tight density and pedestrian walkways can turn the Village into a baffling rabbit-warren that can even confuse locals.
Enter the Whistler Village hosts, set up by Tourism Whistler. Standing for long hours in unheated, outdoor kiosks scattered around the busy Village, wearing "Ask Me" buttons, the hosts dispense advice, solve problems and grease the wheels of Olympic visitor experience. Why do they do it? Sure they receive a few event tickets, but mostly, it's the locals' way of making the 2010 Games special for everyone.
I staked out the central Village's information kiosk and watched a host at work. George Pitman is an established architect (G. Pitman Designs) from Vancouver, now living and working in Whistler with his wife Joan Pitman. I watched as he capably fielded enquiries from a steady stream of people, arms waving with directions, drawing on maps, and generally taking care of people. Here's George at work .....
George Pitman, Whistler Village host
host George Pitman drawing on a map
“go this way”
“just walk that way”
Whistler Village hosts chatting at the kiosk
consulting on a restaurant
What's the oddest question George has been asked as a Village host? Apparently it was when a boy asked him "How much does the mountain weigh? You know, without snow?"
On my way through the city on Thursday night I was able to capture national pride – artfully presented on people’s faces. Not too many words are necessary here:
Australian Fans
Alison and Brook from Australia showed their national pride for Lydia Lassila, who won gold in the Ladies‘ Aerials on Wednesday. Brook and Alison were on their way to the victory ceremonies to cheer for their compatriot receiving Olympic Gold.
National Pride for the US
Four young women from the US (to the right) smiling despite their growing hunger. They were looking for a good place for dinner – I happily shared my recommendations with them.
And then some rap dancers proudly representing Japan spotted on Granville Street. There was quite a number of young people dancing away – they looked great and seemed to have fun.
Canada "Fan Dog"
Last but not least I also found some particular Canadian patriotism – I guess these days any living thing serves as a canvas for patriotic pride. Tough times for cute dogs – they don’t have a choice in the matter!
Go Canada Go!
Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel
I hear explosions behind me and instinctively start running.
It’s really nothing to be concerned about – just the False Creek fireworks resonating out to Kits. It’s an instinctive feel though, like being out after the streetlights come on when you were a kid: “run – you’re in trouble if you don’t get home.”
As part of the Olympic celebrations, we’ve been treated to fireworks every night. For me, this has been the Olympics tucking me in. I’d be in bed reading and hear the fireworks and sigh with relief: I’m in bed on time. Time to tuck in; tomorrow I’ll be well rested. Other times, I’ve been out and heard the fireworks… like a reasonable curfew calling to me. Once, when I was spinning down the Burrard Street Bridge on the bike ride home, I found myself really pushing it when the fireworks started up. On nights where I didn't even hear the fireworks, that signaled that I got to bed early and good for me.
Not many people identify fireworks with sleeping, but I’m curious if the Vancouver Olympics have conditioned me with Pavlovian-esque response – I hear fireworks and race to bed from now on?
Jessica Evans loves life in Vancouver - especially the parts that involve volunteering, riding bikes, or any combination thereof. Follow her on Twitter as @jessicers.
July 30, 2010 | Posted by Marilyn Anderson 
Categories: Marilyn Anderson, Uncategorized | 
Tags: Brock Miron, Calgary, Jeremy Wotherspoon, Kevin Jagger, long track, Olympics, speed skating | 
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